*Tyler's POV*

I'd taken forever to fall asleep after that phone call with Troye. It had been going pretty smooth up until the last couple seconds. I'd even somehow managed to get through my mother yelling in the background 'are you on the phone with that cute boy we were talking about?' without things getting awkward. He told me he didn't hear her, but I wasn't sure if I believed him. She was pretty loud, I had to inherit it from somewhere. I'd fallen asleep on the phone for a couple seconds after that, and that's when I knew it was time to end the phone call. As much as I didn't want to, I also didn't want him listening in on me if I started to snore or something weird like sleep talk. Who knows what kind of crazy things I'd say. My mother had caught me doing it a couple times and I never heard the end of her teasing over it, I definitely didn't want him to find out I did.

"Sorry, Troye, I really should head to bed. I'll talk to you tomorrow sometime." 

"Uh, yeah, that's fine. Goodnight, Tyler." I smiled warmly, loving the way my name sounded in his satiny voice. My eyes started to fall shut again and I let out a content sigh, knowing I had to come up with some kind of response soon before I fell back asleep.

"Night, babe." Sleep was suddenly the last thing on my mind as my eyes snapped open, my heart racing in my chest. Fuck, fuck, fuck, had I really just said that? It just felt so natural and fuck. I clenched my jaw, scrambling and ending the call. I didn't want to hear his response, because surely he was going to be weirded out. 

I spent the next hour and a half rolling around and trying desperately to fall asleep, my mind plagued with all the different reactions Troye could have had. It was his own fault for calling me so late, what did he expect? Maybe that's what he'd do, dismiss it as something stupid I said because I was overtired. Let's hope. 

The stupid conversation was still on my mind most of the day at school. I wanted to see him, to see what he was like around me and that nothing had changed between us, but it was like he was hiding. At first I thought it was from me, before remembering what exactly had happened yesterday at school. Of course he was hiding! I suddenly felt extremely worried for him, glancing toward the clock impatiently. Lunch started in fifteen minutes, but even that seemed like too long. Honestly I'd cut class right now and leave to go hunt him down, except that was hardly logical considering he was in class as well. So I was stuck watching the clock and completely ignoring everything my teacher said. I was actually tapping my foot against the floor anxiously when the bell finally rang. I leapt out of my seat, slinging my bag over my shoulder and rushing out of the room before I could even hear what was assigned for homework. I'd get Marcus to tell me later. Right now, I just wanted to find Troye, preferably before I ran into anyone else.

I checked the bathroom and the hall his locker was in before realizing I could just text him. I stopped in the middle of the hallway, ignoring the people buzzing around me. I'd opened the text and was in the middle of typing it in when I felt a hand clap me on the back. I gasped, scrambling to get a better hold on my phone. Once I had I turned around quickly, glaring harshly at Marcus.

"What? Were you texting anyone important?" He wiggled his eyebrows, trying to snatch my phone from me. Luckily, I'd had a lot of practice in the art of hiding what was on my phone screen, so I effortlessly clutched it to my chest and glared at him.

"None of your business."

"Whatever, let's just go eat." He mumbled, obviously still a little annoyed that I wouldn't let him in on my conversation. I sighed, walking behind him with my eyes still fixed on my phone screen. I was more cautious now though, keeping it close to my chest as I tried to decide what to send to Troye. I didn't want to say anything too forward in case he was still creeped out over the 'babe' thing, but I did want to talk to him. I was so entranced in my phone I didn't even realize Marcus had stopped walking until I crashed into him. I grumbled quietly to myself as I fixed my glasses, pushing them up on my nose instinctively. I didn't even bother to look up, automatically assuming he'd stopped in the line for food and that was it. I started to type out my text to Troye, trying to keep it casual while still making it clear I genuinely did care that I got to talk to him. 

"Hey, buddy, do you want some spaghetti?" I furrowed my brow, looking up just before I clicked send to see a familiar group of goons standing in a flock in front of us. I was confused for a second, before Caspar's words actually registered and my eyes fell on the nervous looking Troye standing in front of all of us. He looked like he was about to puke all over the floor, is hands clutching his sides desperately. I felt sick just looking at him and imagining how horrible he felt, my eyes darting back to my phone in an effort to steady myself. I felt sick myself as I listened for Caspar's next words. "Are you sure? I hear you love it, so much you even wear it sometimes."

"I'm sure." Troye's strained voice only made it worse, making me wince at the sound. I felt on the verge of tears as I stared pointedly at my phone, knowing it'd be too much when I finally looked up and actually took in Troye's features.

"Caspar, fuck off." I was shocked for a moment, before realizing it had been Shane that spoke up. I was still a little shocked, but less than I would have been if it was Troye saying it. I wanted to look up and see Shane's face, see just how invested in protecting Troye he was. 

"Or what, faggot?" I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, my mind replaying Caspar's words over and over again. It was like you could hear the loathing laced in them, how much he truly detested Shane over something so small. Why did it matter to him at all? Did it physically hurt him that Shane liked fucking guys? Well, I mean, unless Shane fucked him, I guess that could- No, that wasn't the case though. He was just being a homophobic bigot, shoving his nose where it didn't belong and giving opinions no one cared to hear. 

I didn't look up as they started to crowd around Shane, trying to act as indifferent to the situation as I could. The last thing I needed was them seeing how upset I actually was and question it. I kept my eyes on the phone in my hands for a long time, before curiosity got the better of me and I had to see where Troye had gone. Surely they weren't beating him up too? I glanced over, slowly taking in the situation in front of me. My bottom lip started to tremble slightly as I watched Caspar rub spaghetti into Shane's shirt, a sneer on his lips that could rival a vicious dog's. I felt my eyes start to sting as they shoved him, watching them laugh to each other like it was utterly hilarious. It was so fucking sick, that they got some kind of high off of hurting other people. What kind of thing had to go wrong in someone's life for them to think like that? I darted my eyes away quickly when they started to advance again, knowing I wouldn't be able to take anything more. It felt too real, too close to home. Of course it was horrible watching them bully anyone, but it'd never left this sour taste in my mouth before. 

It never made me feel like a raging hypocrite.

My eyes landed on a familiar pair of electric blue ones, though at the same time, they looked completely different. They were narrowed, full of judgment as he glared at me. So what, Troye was mad at me now too? Fuck, I couldn't do anything right. My eyes fell back on my phone, chewing on my lip as I felt a tear threatening to escape. But unlike before, I let it, blinking to stop anymore as the single bead of saltwater trailed down my cheek. My phone went off in my hands and a smile broke out across my face when I seen Troye's name. I crossed my fingers, hoping for some sort of explanation. I didn't get one, instead getting a stupid three word-long text that made me feel even worse.

"Thanks a lot." I stared at the phone blankly after reading it, tilting my head downward to make sure Troye couldn't see my expression. The last thing I needed was him thinking I was some sort of crybaby. It made sense why he was glaring at me now. After all we'd talked about yesterday it would have also made sense for me to stand up for him. I couldn't though. I could barely keep myself together.

"Troye? Coming?" I looked up quickly, surprised to see my friends had already sauntered off. Shane was standing in front of Troye, staring down at him expectantly. I glared at him, shoving my phone into my pocket and crossing my arms. Was it just me or was Shane taking way too long to stare Troye down? Besides, where did he get off acting like he was just automatically Troye's best friend anyway? I bet he barely even knew him. I mean, I didn't either, but surely I was making more valiant efforts to get there than Shane Dawson was. 

"Yeah, of course. Thanks, by the way." Troye shot me a glare as he said this, starting toward the door with Shane.

"Don't mention it." I watched them leave with a scowl on my face, stomping over to the cafeteria and getting unnatural amounts of food, even for me. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat it all, but I was also too far gone to care. I reached our table a few minutes later. Marcus tried to greet me but I just held a single hand up and he fell silent, slinking away from me knowingly. If there was one thing everyone knew, it was when to steer clear of me. I definitely wasn't pleasant when I was in a bad mood, wearing my heart on my sleeve. I melted into my food then, completely ignoring everything else as I stuffed my face.

I sighed, looking over Troye's shoulder at the jumbled mess of scribbles on his paper. Math really wasn't his thing. I chewed on the end of my pencil, kicking his foot under our desks and nodding toward his sheet, alerting him he'd gotten another one wrong. He glared at me, though it was also obvious he still appreciated my help considering he hurried to erase it and check the correct answer on my sheet. I'd finished ten minutes ago, and the teacher was actually offering computer time to people that finished early and handed their sheets in, but instead I was sitting here helping him through what felt like the fiftieth question he'd managed to get wrong. I leaned back in my seat casually, yawning loudly. My eyes instinctively landed on the clock, pleased to see there were only a couple minutes left. Troye would surely finish by then, at least I hoped.

I wanted to wait around for him after the bell rang and actually try to talk to him about earlier, but I did have work and I wanted to be on time to make up for being late yesterday. I shoved my way through the sea of people, casting glares at anyone who tried to shove me back. After what felt like forever being way too close to sweaty strangers, I walked out into the parking lot. I jogged down the stairs and ignored the girls ogling me from a few feet away. If I hadn't been interested in them before I definitely wasn't now that I'd met Troye. I headed over to my car with an obvious spring in my step, remembering how flustered Troye had gotten over getting questions wrong, or how his eyes lit up when the pieces finally clicked and he understood one. He was so adorable, intoxicating really. I swung into the driver's seat gracefully, smiling as I turned my key in the ignition. The smile was short lived when my car didn't immediately roar to life, instead letting out a pathetic sputtering noise. I groaned, shaking my head desperately.

"No, no, no, no, no, not today!" I sighed, trying it again despite knowing what the outcome was going to be. I was right, of course, and the car didn't start. I let out a small whimper, sinking my head down against the steering wheel. I had to be to work on time today! This was too good of a job to risk losing!

I decided to get out and try my usual last effort method; beating around under the hood and hoping for the best. I jumped out, scurrying over to the grass and finding a rock to use. I hurried back, knowing my time was slowly ticking away. I winced as I lifted the hood up, the metal a lot hotter than I expected it to be after the long warm day. I then got to work, beating around. 

"Fucking piece of junk, I swear I'm buying a new car with my first paycheck." I muttered under my breath, hitting the spot I usually had to particularly hard. I was beginning to get desperate, knowing how important it was that the car started. It was too the point I was willing to make deals with it. If I had to buy it a new set of tires to get it to start than I most definitely would. "Please, please, start. I have to be at work in like ten minutes." 

"Tyler." I jumped at the sudden voice, hitting my head in the process. My hand flew to the place where a bump was already forming, rubbing it and pouting slightly. That was, before I noticed just who it was who'd surprised me. 

"Troye." I acknowledged, eyeing him warily. He hadn't really talked to me in class so it was hard to tell if he was still mad or not. But now, watching a smile break out across his face as he leaned against the side of the car, it was pretty easy to tell he wasn't all that mad.

"Car troubles?" I narrowed my eyes at him, fighting the urge to roll them in annoyance. He was obviously being a dick about it because of how intent I was on getting out of the parking lot ahead of him last night, rubbing how nice his car was in my face.

"No, I am carsexual and this is how I get intimate." I snapped, sitting down on the hood and watching him walk over toward me. He was at arm's distance away now and I could catch the occasional waft of his cologne. 

"In the middle of a parking lot? I really thought you were classier than that." I shoved him away at this, partly in response and partly because I didn't know how much more of the cologne I could take before I did something stupid like call him babe again.

"What do you want anyway? I thought you were ignoring me."

"I don't want anything, well, I wouldn't be opposed to a better apology. Also, I got the feeling there was something you might want. Like, I don't know... A drive to work?"

"Are you offering one?" I piped up, smiling widely at the idea. There was still a chance I could get to work on time! And with Troye!

"I don't know, I don't hear you apologizing." His tone was almost cocky now, as he turned and started back toward the driver's side. I trailed after him with a big grin, trying to decide how to apologize to him. Did I want to make it sappy or sarcastic? I decided last second to go with sarcastic, not wanting to overdo it considering I still didn't know what he thought of the whole 'babe' thing. I fell down to my knees, clasping my hands together and batting my eyelashes at him. 

"I'm so very gravely sorry, Troye, I'll do absolutely anything to make it up to you! Please, forgive me! I can't cope with you being angry at me, you're the only sunshine in my dark miserable life!" I then wiped a very obviously fake tear off my cheek, pouting my lips out. He smiled down at me warmly for a few seconds, his eyes sparkling as he reached a hand out. I took it without hesitation, fighting the urge to wind my fingers between his. His hands were so insanely soft, a total contrast to mine that were worn and tough from chores and sports. 

"I don't appreciate the sarcasm, but I guess I'll accept that. Go get in the passenger's." Even as he sighed this I could see the big smile threatening to invade his features. Without thinking I threw my arms around him, my eyes wide when I realized what I'd just done. Damn it, I really needed to start thinking before I did things. It was too late to back out now though, so I just embraced it, hugging him to me tightly and losing myself in his flowery scent. A few seconds later I felt his lanky arms drape around me as well, hugging me back. That didn't last long before he was patting my back and silently telling me to back off. I grimaced behind his head, not wanting to end the embrace so soon. I did though, forcing myself to remember the whole 'taking things slow' plan. I didn't want to come on too strong and scare him off before he even opened up to me. I gave him a huge smile once we'd separated, confused by his dazed look. I decided not to question it though, instead yelling my thanks. 

"Thank-you!" I shouted, even more concerned when he didn't even address this. He then turned and got into the car, still looking completely lost in his thoughts. I was suddenly really regretting the hug, wondering if I'd crossed some sort of boundary. He should have just pushed me off if that was the case. I got into the car feeling guilty, noticing that he still hadn't even started it. Shit, had I messed up all over again? I wish I knew what was going on inside of his head so I could just avoid all these horrible guessing games and awkward moments. 

"Troye? Are you gonna start the car?" He came back to Earth then, looking over and giving me a tiny smile that looked nothing like his usual ones. It was heartfelt though, which relieved me quite a bit. 

"Actually, do you want to drive, Mr. Carsexual?" I felt even better now. If he was willing to tease me he must not be that upset over it. I decided to go along with his casual sarcastic setting.

"Are you giving us your blessing?" I asked, gasping as I threw a hand over my heart. I leaned forward then, kissing the grey dash and making a big smooching noise. I looked up just in time to see him finish rolling his eyes, holding a pair of keys out to me. I took them and watched him get out, crawling across the seats the second his door closed and falling into the driver's side. I didn't have time to get out and back in. He slipped into his seat a moment later, looking like he'd gotten lost all over again. He leaned back and his eyes fluttered shut, and he was seemingly dead to the world. That was a good thing though, considering I was having serious trouble breaking my eyes away from his face. He looked so peaceful with his eyes closed like that, like all the walls he normally had around himself had just vanished. 

Eventually I remembered I was actually in a rush to get to work and started the car, hoping he wouldn't question why it had taken me so long. He didn't, not even moving a muscle as I pulled out onto the road. I had to wonder if he'd fallen asleep. He didn't speak up or move at all, not even when I parked the car in front of the store and sighed loudly. I couldn't leave him just sleeping in his car though, so I reached over and swatted at his arm.

"Troye? Troye boy? Wake up!"

"I am awake! Don't you have to go to work?" He grumbled, shoving me away. I rolled my eyes, glancing in the vanity mirror quickly

"Just trying to make sure you don't get in trouble for loitering. But yeah, I really do have to go. Thanks for the drive, really Troye, it means a lot." I looked back to him as I said this, happy to see his eyes slowly fluttering open.

"Yeah, yeah." He waved his hand dismissively and I took the hint, getting out without another word and bounding across the parking lot. I stopped abruptly to open the door clearly labeled 'pull', though the second I came to a halt I felt someone step on the back of my heels. I scowled, turning around with a pointedly fake smile etched across my face. That was quickly replaced by a genuine one when I recognized the familiar chocolate brown quiff of the boy looking down at the ground.

"Miss me already?" I teased, sticking my tongue out playfully. He looked up from the pavement to lock eyes with me and I wasn't pleasantly surprised by how pink his cheeks had gone.

"No, I just didn't eat much at lunch and was thinking maybe-" I held a finger up, covering his lips dramatically and shushing him.

"Shh, there's no need for excuses. We both know they aren't true." I added an over-the-top wink and fake hairflip, sauntering off into the building ahead of him after. I made it about three steps before realizing what I'd just done. I really had to get better control around this kid, I was outright flirting with him now. I mean, I doubt he'd think anything of it considering I was known as the 'straightest' guy around, but I was definitely giving him the grounds to be suspicious. 

"Hey Bruce!" I beamed, spotting the familiar head of white hair behind one of the shelves. He walked out with arms full of mac and cheese boxes, a big smile on his face.

"Look who decided to show up today! Oh, and you brought a friend?" I turned around slowly, surprised to find Troye standing right behind me looking nervous. Was he that nervous around Bruce? I took a step back so we were beside each other, snaking an arm around his waist.

"This is Troye! With an e." I squeezed him tighter to my side, enjoying how shy he suddenly was. Bruce just nodded with a smile, excusing himself as he dumped the boxes and headed toward the door. Someone was in a rush today, maybe he wanted to get there before all the good fish had been caught or something. Or who knows, maybe he wanted to give Troye and I some alone time. 

The second the doors closed behind him Troye shoved my arm off, rolling his eyes at me before heading off to the corner I'd come to recognize as the junk food palooza. I rearranged the messy mac and cheese boxes as I waited for him to gather up whatever he wanted, making sure all the labels faced the right way and that they were lined up perpendicular. I had just finished when a hand reached around from behind me, pinging a box over casually. At first this didn't bother me, before watching the domino effect it had as all the boxes toppled over.

"Troye Sivan!" I groaned, turning around to face him. He was smiling smugly to himself, his arms full of unhealthy food. I crossed my arms and exhaled loudly, sulking as I made my way back to the cash register. He approached then, dropping his stuff on the counter carelessly. As I started to ring his stuff through he leaned against his elbows on the counter, studying the little list of 'notes to self' I had made. It was messily scrawled and vague, but it was enough to help me remember all my responsibilities at the shop until I got used to working here. I tried to keep my eyes on the things I was checking through, but they kept flickering back up to Troye on their own accord. He seemed so interested in the stupid note, his big blue eyes moving in swift lines as he read through it.

"Gross, you have to clean toilets?" He wrinkled his nose up adorably, obviously grossed out by the idea. I hadn't realized how long I spent staring at him until he held the little piece of paper up, waving it in front of my face urgently. I shrugged, snatching it from him and putting it back in it's rightful place.

"Well, someone has to." 

"But that's disgusting. It's one thing cleaning your own, but imagine all the strangers that-"

"You're gross, just take your junk and go." I interrupted, not wanting to hear where this conversation was going. He sighed, reluctantly taking the bag from my outstretched hand. I couldn't help but notice how upset he seemed about leaving as he turned around. Though he only made it about a step before spinning around and walking back to me. Except this time, he walked behind the counter and plopped himself down in my usual seat with a cheeky grin.

"Actually, I think I might take my junk and stay, if it's all the same to you. I'm hoping to see the one and only Tyler Oakley in action cleaning toilets." He teased, taking his first bite of chocolate. He let out a satisfied hum, his eyes falling shut as he savored the taste. I scoffed loudly, leaning back against the counter. He could actually be an annoying little shit when he wanted, but in an undeniably cute way. Actually, I was pretty sure anything he did could be considered undeniably cute. As if how adorable he looked wasn't repayment enough, the feeling of satisfaction knowing we'd gotten to a place where he felt comfortable acting like this around me was definitely enough to make up for anything annoying he did.

"That's considered loitering, sir, I'm going to have to ask you to vacate the building." I boomed, using my deepest voice I had. He started laughing at this, the obvious contrast to my usual voice seemingly too much for him. He was clutching at his stomach and trying desperately not to drop his chocolate during his giggle fit. "What if I had of been serious and you just laughed at me? I work here, I'm in a position of authority over you, you know."

"I wouldn't be here if I knew you were serious, Tyler. You want me here just as much as I want to stay." 

"And is that a lot or something?" I asked, suddenly very interested in the conversation. He blushed, running a hand through his hair.

"I mean, I don't really have anything better to do..." He mumbled sheepishly, the familiar shy Troye coming back. I didn't want that, this loud and sassy Troye was really beginning to grow on me.

"Well, I'm glad, you're pretty decent company." I said warmly, setting a hand on his shoulder. A bubbly little smile grew on his face and he leaned his head onto my hand, looking up at me.

"I know I am." He purred, straightening up to eat more chocolate. Meanwhile I was left trying to tame the butterflies thrashing around in my stomach and keep the goofy lovesick grin from breaking out across my face as I fell back into the spare chair. "So, what do you do while you're sitting here?"

"Sometimes I clean up the shelves or mop the floor, but mostly that's just it; sit here." 

"Boring." He yawned, shifting around in the small swivel chair. 

"Very. So you can see why I'm glad you're here." I retorted, reaching over and snatching an unopened chocolate bar from his lap.

"Hey!" He shouted, glaring at me as I started eating it. It was our shared favorite, so I guess it made sense he got annoyed with me, but I also wasn't about to take no shitty chocolate bar solely for his sake. We ate in silence for a while then, both of us content with just the other's company. It wasn't until we ran out of junk food that he acknowledged my existence at all.

"Do you like, ever get customers?"

"A couple a day, it's definitely slow paced."

"How does he manage to stay open?" I shrugged, not sure of the answer. He seemed to think about this longer for a minute, his eyes glazed over as he zoned out. I tried to distract myself with my phone so I didn't get caught up in staring at him again, but it was a futile effort. My eyes flickered back up to his face, watching as he absentmindedly bit his lip, obviously deep in thought. Without thinking I opened up the camera, holding my breath as I silently snapped a picture of him. My heart started to beat again when he didn't look up, still entranced in his thoughts. I leaned back in my chair, making sure he couldn't see my screen, and looked at the photo. It was off-centered and a bad angle, but it was also absolutely perfect; because it was him. I was vaguely aware of how stalker-status this was of me, but I couldn't help it. I grinned at my phone screen happily, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks. 

"Are you on your top-secret Tumblr again?" I immediately shoved the phone into my pocket, realizing Troye was sitting up in his chair and trying to look at the screen.

"Top-secret?"

"Did you really think I didn't notice how worked up you got over the topic before? It's fine though, don't worry about it, I probably wouldn't want you to see my Tumblr either." That's what he said, but I couldn't hep but notice the slightly hurt look in his eyes before he looked away. I wonder what his blog's like. I sighed, wishing I could show him mine. I adored my Tumblr, the idea of showing it off and bragging about my notes was definitely appealing, except then he'd have to actually see the content I posted. My content varied, of course, but post reflected some side of my personality or interests. Considering none of my friends had Tumblr, I was completely honest on there. So yes, there were a hell of a lot of pictures of hot  guys and me obsessing over them. That wasn't even mentioning all the sappy dreamer stuff or the endless posts about gay rights. If he even glanced at my Tumblr my sexuality would be pretty freaking clear, and I didn't know if I was ready for him to know yet. 

"Yeah, it's kind of personal." I mumbled guiltily, looking away the second he looked up from the floor.

"Personal, but public to the entire world. Interesting concept, Tyler." I rolled my eyes at this, deciding to get to my feet and try and evade the passive aggressive mood. I shuffled past him, heading into the back office. I sighed, furrowing my brow when the mop bucket wasn't in the usual place. I opened up the closet, glaring at the mess inside. How was I supposed to find anything in here! I began trifling through, my lips in a tight unimpressed line. When I came up empty handed after about ten minutes I decided to venture back out and see if Troye was an happier. I strolled out of the tiny room, stopping in my tracks when I found the space behind the counter empty.

"Troye?" I called out, a frown spreading across my face as I walked over. There wasn't even a note! Had I made him that upset over the Tumblr thing? I pouted, sinking down into my chair. Deep down I knew I had no reason to be that mad, it's not like he'd promised to stay or anything. Why would he stay if I was being annoying? Still, I found myself slipping further and further into a sulky mood. I felt bad for the next customer we got, because my service was definitely going to be below standards. I slumped over the counter, burying my face in my arms. How quiet and boring the job was had never really bothered my before, not until I'd known what it was like to spend the time with Troye by my side. I sighed loudly, wondering if I was going to have to get him to forgive me all over again. Not that I'd ever let it get to me, but it really was like he went out of his way to push me away.

"Hey, Tyler, where do you- What's wrong?" I jolted upright, surprised to see a confused looking Troye in one of the aisles, the missing mop in his right hand. 

"N-Nothing. What are you doing here?" I blurted, still a little surprised to see him. He seemed very confused by this question, knitting his eyebrows together. He looked hurt for a split second, like he'd taken offense to what I'd said.

"Spending time with you?" It wasn't meant to be a question, but the tone he used definitely made it seem like one. I blushed then, realizing how my question could have been taken as rude out of context.

"Sorry, I just automatically assumed you left when I came back and didn't see you here." I mumbled quietly, shifting around nervously in my seat. His lips turned up into a smile now, any sign of doubt vanishing from his face as he walked over and leaned against the counter.

"Aw, no, I just got bored of waiting for you to come back out so I decided to find something to pass the time. I noticed the mop and figured you'd appreciate the helping hand." I blushed even harder at his explanation, realizing how dumb I'd been to jump to conclusions so fast. He was doing a favor for me and I'd expected so little out of him. I felt downright guilty, sinking my face back down into my arms with a defeated huff. It seemed like only a couple seconds later that I felt his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Besides, who would drive you home if I left?"

"I could have walked." I offered, though there was no hiding how red my cheeks were getting in a blush at his obvious sentiment. He was worried about me, making sure I got home safe. I smiled into my arms, but only for a second before I felt something hit me in the side. It wasn't painful, but it was soaked and had likely left a big print on my shirt. I straightened up, glowering over at Troye. He was laughing to himself, my expression only pushing him further over the edge. I glanced down at the floor, not surprised to see the used swiffer pad. 

"You're the worst."

"I tried to warn you before you got involved with me, but you weren't hearing it."

"Earlier, were you asking where we kept the refills?" I asked, gesturing toward the discarded trash. He nodded eagerly, bounding over to my side. I rolled my eyes at his childish enthusiasm, knowing he'd get bored of mopping soon, likely before he'd even finished the full job. That didn't stop me from leading him into the crammed office area though, gesturing grandly to the disaster closet from earlier. 

"This is what took me so long earlier. Good luck." I clapped him on the back with a sheepish grin, leaving him alone in the room and walking back to the counter. I was surprised to see a group of teenage girls had wandered in, chatting about something obnoxiously loud. I sighed, ignoring them and instead letting my eyes fall back onto my phone. They were loud, but they didn't look the type to get into any trouble if I wasn't watching them. I was in the very middle of an interesting text-post, when someone cleared their throat above me. I guiltily looked up, locking eyes with one of the girls. The rest of them were still off getting stuff somewhere. I jumped up, taking the junk food and rental movie and scanning them hastily. I was just handing her the bag when the three others ran over, squealing and being generally annoying. I plastered on a fake smile as they approached and two of them returned it, the other one staring at me with her mouth hanging agape.

"Wait, you work here?" She asked, staring at me curiously. I ran a hand through my hair nervously, confused by how invested in this conversation she was. Please tell me she didn't have a crush on me or something, she was way too young for that.

"Uh, obviously." I replied gruffly, hoping to discourage her. It didn't work though, considering she was giggling like mad a moment later. I waited patiently for her to pull herself together and put her items up, knowing better than to get snappy with the customers. 

Even if the customers were extremely annoying.

"That definitely explains why Troye insists on going to this store instead of the ones in town." She said it casually, dropping her items then and turning to strike up a conversation with her friends again. I wasn't having that though, clearing my throat loudly.

"How do you know Troye?" I asked, flickering my eyes between hers and the things I was checking out. She narrowed her eyes at me, like she was deciding whether she wanted to tell me or not. Or maybe she was just wondering why I was so intent on finding out.

"I'm his sister, Sage." She said, her tone slightly cautious. This made it clear to me that she hadn't been deciding if she wanted to tell me or not, but rather, how much trouble she'd get in for telling me. I smiled cheekily, taking extra time to get her change sorted out.

"I didn't know Troye had a sister." I drawled, actually taking time to take in her appearance. I could see it now, their resemblance. They both had those deep blue eyes and the same lips. I swear, they were a family of gods and goddesses. I wouldn't be surprised if I walk into his house on Saturday and he introduces me to his dad, Zeus. 

"Up until last night I didn't know Troye had a boyfriend." I came back to Earth at her sudden quip, my eyes going wide and my jaw unhinging slightly. Boyfriend? 

"W-What?" I spluttered out, taking in her mischievous smirk and sparkling eyes. I could feel my heart racing in my chest, my palms getting uncomfortably sweaty.

"I'm kidding. It was a joke, no need to have a heart attack on me." She laughed, her giggle unmistakably familiar to Troye's. This calmed me down reasonably and my breathing slowly evened back out. I could only imagine of red my cheeks were right now. She reached out then, gracefully dropping some spare change into my tip jar with a smile. She turned on her heel to leave then, her friends having already wandered out on their own accord. She made it about a step before a familiar voice cursing filled the building.

"Fuck! Tyler, I can't find it anywhere, are you even sure they're in here?" There was no mistaking the frustration in Troye's voice, or the bubbly smile that Sage had on when she turned back around. Troye stomped out of the room only a couple seconds later, his fists balled and his eyes narrowed. He actually made it a good portion of the way to the counter staring at the floor, before he inevitably looked up and noticed who was standing beside the counter. I couldn't help but snicker along with Sage when his eyes went impossibly wide, nearly popping out of his head.

"Sage! What are you doing here?" He snapped, not hesitating a second to walk over to her and grab her arm. They didn't speak, just making an array of faces at the other and apparently understanding it fine. Sage let out a final whine as Troye started to drag her out the door with him, struggling against his arm halfheartedly.

"But Troye! I was having a lovely conversation with your boyfriend!" She shouted, making sure that he realized I could hear her. I watched him pinch her side then, steering her out the door with a scowl and muttering what sounded like, "How many times do I have to tell you? He is not my boyfriend"

So they'd had this conversation before? We'd only known each other a couple days and they'd already had this conversation? Was Troye gushing to his family about me? I pushed those thoughts out of my head, taking a deep breath. If that was the case, that was positively adorable, but I couldn't afford to be let down if it wasn't. 

a/N: Heyheyheyheyheyheyhey. Is that enough hey for you guys? Also if all the backtracking from Tyler's POV was boring and seemed choppy, I apologize, but I felt you needed more insight into his head. Ugh, this was a long chapter so I think I'll keep the author's note short. I love you all a sHIT TON and would love you even more if you COMMENT or VOTE <#<#<#<#<#<##